The amount of visible ear hair differs widely from person to person. Age may contribute to the change, but it is only one part of the explanation.
Genetic background can influence hair thickness, color, density, and distribution. Some people naturally develop coarse hair around the ears, while others retain mostly fine, barely visible hairs throughout their lives.
Hormonal sensitivity also differs between individuals. Even when two people have similar circulating hormone levels, their follicles may respond differently. This is one reason that body hair cannot be used to estimate hormone levels reliably.
Hair color makes a difference as well. A few dark hairs may stand out clearly against the skin, while an equal number of light hairs may be much less noticeable. Gray hair can also become more visible when it grows longer or has a wiry texture.
Grooming habits affect perception. Someone who regularly trims the hair around the ears may notice regrowth quickly, while a person who does not focus on the area may barely pay attention to it.
There is also a difference between hair that has always been present and hair that develops a new pattern. A few isolated strands that gradually become more visible over several years are generally less concerning than a sudden, widespread change accompanied by other symptoms.
No single pattern is universal, and comparing yourself with friends or family members is not a reliable way to judge whether your hair growth is normal. If the change is gradual and limited to a few hairs, it is usually reasonable to treat it as a normal part of individual variation.